Marangu Route 5 Days

Route Description

The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola Route.” This is because this route is the most popular on the mountain, and because the route is the only one that offers sleeping in huts, which serve beverages like Coca-Cola on the way.

The trek begins in the south-east area of the mountain at Marangu Gate. The route takes five days minimum to complete, although six days is more practical and recommended. The sleeping huts along the route are structures with a dining hall and bunk beds, equipped with mattresses and pillows. The descent is done on the same path, contributing to Marangu’s overcrowded reputation. It is a cheapest trek as well, due to the fact that is the closest to Moshi, usual starting point, and because it is a shortest route.

BOOK THIS TOUR (CLICK TO OPEN THE FORM BELOW)

    DAY 1:

    Arrival Kilimanjaro airport and drive to Moshi or Arusha overnight in Recommended.

    DAY 2:

    • Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
    • Elevation-1843 Meters to 2700 Meters: 6,046.ft to 8,858.ft
    • Distance: 8 km/5 miles
    • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
    • Habitat: Rain Forest

    We depart Moshi or Arushafor Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

    DAY 3:

    • Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
    • Elevation: 2700m to 3720m ; 8,858.ft to 12,205.ft
    • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
    • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
    • Habitat: Heath

    We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

    DAY 4:

    • Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
    • Elevation:3720m to 4703m (ft): 12,205.ft to 15,430.ft
    • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
    • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
    • Habitat: Alpine Desert

    We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

    DAY 5:

    • Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak 
    • Elevation: 4703m to 5895m  (ft): 15,430.ft to 19,341.ft
    • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
    • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
    • Habitat: Arctic
    • Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
    • Elevation: 5895m to 3720m (ft): 19,341.ft to 12,250.ft
    • Distance: 16 km/10 miles
    • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
    • Habitat: Heath

    Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit.This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600.ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

    After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

    DAY 6:

    • Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
    • Elevation: 3720m to 1843m  (ft): 12,205.ft to 6,046.ft
    • Distance: 20 km/12 miles
    • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
    • Habitat: Rain Forest

    On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

    DAY 7:

    End of our service so we will drive to Kilimanjaro airport and fly back home.

    Items included:

    • Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport;
    • Transfer to the hotel  to Moshi or Arusha
    • Accommodation prior to the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
    • Transfer to the starting point.
    • Professional mountain crew. All guides have “Wilderness First Responder” and “Wilderness First Aid” certificates, along with over 10 years of experience in climbing. Each participant will be provided with a porter (who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage)
    • Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees;
    • Camping/hut fees;
    • 3 square meals daily. The menu includes different soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables; vegetarian options are available upon request;
    • Oxygen systems and pulse oximeters;
    • First aid kit;
    • Group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);
    • Meeting the group at the National Park exit and transfer to the hotel;
    • Accommodation after the climb (including breakfast; sharing a twin room);
    • Comfortable sleeping pads.
    • Return transfer to Kilimanjaro airport.

    * Basic tour package price includes sharing a twin room. If you need a single bed accommodation only, you should inform us before the tour.

    ** During the climb you will share a tent with 1-2 other climbers, depending on the number of participants. If you need an individual tent, please, contact us. Single accommodation at sleeping huts on Marangu is impossible.

    Items excluded:

    • Airline tickets;
    • Visa fee;
    • Lunch and dinner at the hotel
    • Personal gears
    • Tips for the mountain crew and Safari Driver.
    • Travel insurance.